Psychologist to help Brazil

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Sao Paulo - Tears shed by Neymar and his fellow Brazilian stars at the Soccer World Cup have shocked some of the country's football legends and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has ordered extra coaching with the team psychologist, a report said Wednesday.

Sports psychologist Regina Brandao made an "urgent" and unscheduled visit to the Brazil training camp on Tuesday, ahead of Friday's quarter-final with Colombia, Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper said.

Some football elders such as Carlos Alberto, captain of the team that won the World Cup in 1970, said today's Brazilian stars cry too much. While the team have not commented on whether the sessions were "urgent", Neymar said Wednesday that he was enjoying talking with the psychologist.

The special visit came after a jittery Brazil scraped past Chile on penalties in the last 16. Neymar, goalkeeper Julio Cesar, David Luiz and captain Thiago Silva were all seen crying after.

Brandao held a meeting with all the players and the technical team, according to Folha. She did not speak individually with players.

The psychologist, who has worked with Scolari for more than 20 years, told CBF TV: "The visit formed part of our initial planning. I have classes and I couldn't be here for long.

"I speak constantly with the players. We speak to each other on WhatsApp, we speak on the phone, we communicate by email," she added.

The stark emotions of Brazil's players have caused much debate and concern over whether they are psychologically equipped to deliver a home World Cup win.

Neymar cried during the national anthem at the tournament-opener against Croatia, and tears have never been far away since.

"They cry during the national anthem, they cry at the end of extra-time, they cry before and after the penalties," said technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira.

World Cup legend Zico said a lack of self-control could damage Brazil's chances on the pitch.

"There's a lack of focus during the game, which can hurt Brazil. There are players who get emotional and forget the game. They need to have more control," he said.

Carlos Alberto, Brazil's World Cup captain in 1970, said the Selecao should save their tears until after they have won the final in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.

"The team is crying when they're singing the anthem, when they get hurt, when they shoot penalties! Come on... Stop crying! Enough!" he said.

Neymar, the team's star player with four goals so far, insisted though that the sessions with Brandao have been beneficial.

"I had never done anything like it before and I am quite enjoying it," said the forward.

"It is not only us, in football, who are surrounded by emotion every day and need psychologists. I think it could do every person good, to make one more relaxed.

"We have a very good relationship with Regina Brandao. She is a great person. I am learning a lot and I hope to continuing doing it."

Carlos Alberto said: "They say it's the pressure from playing at home. But they should have been prepared for this. They knew they would go through this. Where's the psychologist?"

"This shows the team is not 100 percent ready to face a World Cup. When you are prepared to win, everything happens automatically. When you're not prepared, you cry when the result is not positive. This is what's happening now."

Scolari has stressed that Brazil are a young team, while goalkeeper Cesar, who is 34, said he had every right to show his emotions.

"I never hid that I am an emotional person. This match proves that if you have a dream you must chase it," he said, after the shoot-out with Chile.

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